Steamforged Games, known for its adaptations of video games into tabletop formats, in partnership with Jagex, the developer behind the RuneScape series, have released two new tabletop games: “RuneScape Kingdoms: The Roleplaying Game” and “RuneScape Kingdoms: Shadow of Elvarg,” a board game. These games are now available for purchase through Amazon, Steamforged, the RuneScape merchandise store, and a variety of independent tabletop retailers as of February 29th.
Drawing inspiration from the expansive universe of the RuneScape video game, these releases aim to bring the world of Gielinor to tabletop gaming. The announcement of these games in 2022, particularly “Shadow of Elvarg,” which was successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter with support from over 6,600 backers, has been met with anticipation. These games promise new interpretations of familiar quests and characters for fans of the series.
Mat Hart, co-founder and Creative Director at Steamforged Games, shared his thoughts on the collaboration with Jagex, aiming to integrate “RuneScape Kingdoms” authentically into the broader RuneScape franchise. Hart expressed eagerness to see the community’s reaction to these tabletop adaptations, emphasizing the collaborative effort to bring the essence of RuneScape into a new format.
The roleplaying game introduces a bespoke system, specifically designed for this adaptation, featuring a three d6 dice mechanic. This system is crafted to be approachable for newcomers while offering depth for seasoned players, encapsulating the essence of RuneScape’s magic. It includes a comprehensive guide to Gielinor, providing resources for game masters to create immersive campaigns, covering character creation, magic systems, crafting, and a detailed bestiary.
“RuneScape Kingdoms: The Shadow of Elvarg” offers a cooperative board game experience for 1-5 players, based on the game’s iconic quests. It encourages players to explore Gielinor, engage in various skills, embark on quests, meet memorable characters, and confront bosses. The game balances epic narratives with the lighter, quirky aspects of the RuneScape world, providing a diverse gaming experience.